Mary Centofanti, Director of Dresslier, is celebrating an incredible milestone—40 years with the company, her journey from a high school student to the owner and director of a leading hair care brand, Davroe is a testament to her dedication, vision, and resilience.
The Beginning: A Teenage Prodigy
Mary’s remarkable career began at the age of 15. Recognized for her exceptional skills in accounting, shorthand, and typing, she was approached by Dresslier, a prominent importer and distributor in the salon industry. Despite a strict upbringing, her parents allowed her to make the pivotal decision to leave school and start working full-time.
“I suppose you could say this industry chose me,” Mary reflects. “Dresslier contacted my high school seeking ‘the best student in accounting, shorthand and typing.’ I accepted the interview and was offered a full-time job straight away.”
Climbing the Ranks
Under the mentorship of Robert and David Sloan, and their father John, Mary quickly absorbed the intricacies of the business. Starting as a receptionist, she swiftly climbed the ranks, showcasing her innate business acumen and unwavering commitment.
By 1986, Dresslier launched Davroe, initially a modest line of nine products. Mary was heavily involved in bookkeeping and building crucial business relationships, a foundation that would support her future endeavours with the company.
Challenges and Growth
The early ’90s brought significant challenges. The departure of Robert Sloan and the loss of a major client, Redken, forced Dresslier to pivot towards manufacturing. A serendipitous poolside encounter in South Africa revived Davroe’s fortunes, sparking a renewed interest in the brand.
Despite these hurdles, Mary’s determination saw the development of innovative products like ColourMax, the first sulphate-free shampoo, positioning Dresslier ahead of its competitors. Balancing motherhood and her career, Mary returned to Dresslier after a brief hiatus to support the company following David Sloan’s illness and subsequent passing.
Reinvention and Innovation
In 2006, Mary and her husband John Centofanti took over Dresslier, investing heavily and committing to reinventing Davroe as a sulphate-free, vegan brand. Despite initial scepticism, Mary’s vision for quality, eco-friendly products began to resonate with consumers though the salon industry took a little longer to jump onboard.
The turning point came in 2012 at the Cosmoprof conference in Las Vegas. The uniqueness of Davroe’s vegan offerings set the brand apart, bolstering Mary’s confidence and fuelling further growth. Embracing e-commerce early on, Davroe reached a global audience, ensuring that consumers worldwide could access their products.
Legacy and Future
Mary’s innovative spirit has kept Dresslier at the forefront of the hair care industry. The launch of the CURLiCUE Range in 2020, based on the Curly Girl Method and being completely silicone-free, was another pioneering move that Mary led with Davroe, and has since become a staple in many other brand portfolios.
Today, Dresslier focuses on manufacturing, with Davroe and Private Label as its crown jewels. Mary and John have welcomed their children into the business, with Sophia as the Brand and Marketing Manager and Michael as the Laboratory and Production Manager.
Looking ahead, Mary is optimistic about Davroe’s potential on the international stage. “By the time the kids take over, it will be a global brand. It’s going to be sitting at a completely different level in every aspect,” she says proudly.
As Mary celebrates 40 years with Dresslier, her journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. Here’s to many more years of success and ground-breaking achievements. Happy 40th anniversary, Mary!
